Swinging in a pendulum: Ambivalence among women experiencing IVF treatment failure

Abstract

Abstract: With the advancement in technology, many couples with infertility choose in vitro Fertilization (IVF) treatment as a significant mean to achieve their dream of parenthood. However, with very low success rate, many of them face treatment failures and experience complicated emotions. In our qualitative study, we have contacted women (N=16) who have experienced IVF treatment failure, and were considering to continue on next treatment in order to conceive. During the focus groups launched, they revealed many ambivalent thoughts throughout the whole treatment. They swung between making their decisions and stances on various aspects, with more salient themes in treatment goals, continuation of treatment, husband’s involvement and disclosure issues. They tended to seek for intimacy of others by wishing to be cared and accompanied throughout the treatment, but at the same time kept distance by shouldering all the suffering without sharing. These thoughts will be discussed and analyzed under adult attachment theory.